VILLA CARDS1925-1929

For the first time, Villa spent the half-decade without winning a trophy or even contesting a cup final. Most notably perhaps, they signed Tom 'Pongo' Waring in 1928, a major asset in the coming years.

1925: Compton's (gravy) -FootballersFound inside tins of Compton's Gravy Salt and printed in several 'series'. The Villa card is known in five editions - two coloured and three black and white. (The black and white cards have the same fronts but different backs.)

1928: Gallaher (cigarettes) - FootballersSeries released in two installments, the first featuring action scenes from real situations (at least, the write-ups on the back indicate this, with actual players identified).